DisCo Boss Advises on Energy-Saving Practices to Curb Bills
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has urged customers to adopt energy-saving practices to mitigate high electricity bills. This advice was delivered by the company’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, during a Customer Consultative Forum held at the Apapa Business Uni, Lagos.
Represented by EKEDC’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr Joseph Esenwa, Momoh underscored the importance of efficient electricity consumption amid rising energy demands and the rollout of prepaid meters.
“Efficient energy use is key to reducing electricity bills,” she stated, urging customers to turn off appliances when not in use, embrace energy-efficient devices, and avoid unnecessary power usage.
Benefits of Prepaid Meters
Momoh highlighted the advantages of prepaid meters, which allow customers to monitor their consumption in real time and avoid unexpected bills. “With prepaid meters, customers can track their usage and avoid surprises on their bills,” she added.
Addressing concerns about higher tariffs for Band A, Momoh explained that these rates reflect the true cost of service delivery. “The key issue is simple: people have consistently asked for more power, and Band A allows us to serve them better,” she said.
Although she acknowledged the financial burden on customers, Momoh maintained that the increased tariffs are necessary for ensuring a more reliable power supply, a demand the company is committed to fulfilling.
Tackling Systemic Challenges
Momoh addressed the recurring system collapses, clarifying that these are often due to issues within the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and beyond EKEDC’s control. Despite this, she assured customers of EKEDC’s commitment to minimising the impact of such disruptions.
“When power is unavailable, we lose revenue, and prolonged outages lead to customer dissatisfaction. But even though we have no control over national power supply, we continue working to mitigate these challenges,” she noted.
On the issue of metering, Momoh admitted that achieving full metering across EKEDC’s network would take time due to financial constraints and the rising cost of acquiring meters, many of which are imported.
“Metering is not something we can achieve overnight,” she explained. “It requires significant cash flow, and unfortunately, the response rate from customers to purchase their own meters has been lower than expected.”
Call for Collaboration
The forum saw community leaders lending their voices to support EKEDC’s initiatives. Oba Mohammed Atanda, the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, condemned attacks on EKEDC workers and equipment, urging residents to safeguard these assets.
“If electricity equipment is vandalised in any community, it affects everyone. We must ensure that we protect EKEDC’s equipment and avoid tampering with meters and other assets,” he said.
Prof. Chioma Itiaba, the Yeye Oge of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, echoed the call for vigilance, urging community leaders to collaborate with security personnel to prevent vandalism.
“Vandals often operate between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. If security guards are stationed, these incidents can be prevented,” Itiaba said.
Strengthening Customer Relationships
EKEDC reaffirmed its commitment to improving service delivery by urging customers to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) details. This, Momoh noted, would streamline billing processes, enhance communication, and address service issues more efficiently.
“Updating your KYC is essential for us to serve you better. It allows us to maintain up-to-date customer records, ensuring that any issues or changes in service can be addressed quickly,” she said.
The interactive forum served as a platform for open dialogue, allowing customers to voice concerns while EKEDC shared solutions to improve its service delivery and strengthen relationships with its customers. CPPE Cautions Against Rising Interest Rates Amid Growth Woes
